The Environment: Public Attitudes and Individual Behavior - A Twenty-Year Evolution
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The Environment:
Public Attitudes and
Individual Behavior —
A Twenty-Year Evolution
1
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3
About the Research ................................................................................................... 4
Executive Summary .................................................................................................. 5
The Environment: Public Attitudes and Individual Behavior — A Twenty Year
Evolution ................................................................................................................... 8
Americans have Increased Knowledge, Decreased Confusion, and a
Tempering of Individual Expectations.................................................... 9
Environmental and Economic Uncertainty Hang Over Americans ...... 11
Influencing Behavior Change is Possible ............................................. 14
Americans Say Going Green Is (Still) Good Business ......................... 18
Conclusions ........................................................................................... 22
Appendix ................................................................................................................. 23
Methodology ......................................................................................... 24
Survey Results ...................................................................................... 25
2
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Introduction
It has been two decades since SC Johnson commissioned the groundbreaking
study, The Environment: Public Attitudes and Individual Behavior. Executed by
the Roper Organization (now a part of GfK) in 1990, the SC Johnson research was
the precursor to Green Gauge®, the world’s longest-running survey research
program probing the appetite for green among consumers in the United States.
Green Gauge still asks a number of the same probing questions from the original
1990 SC Johnson study.
The Environment: Public Attitudes and Individual Behavior was the very first
large-scale survey to measure both green attitudes and behavior. As such, it
provided rich insight into Americans’ commitment to preserving and protecting
the environment. In 2011, SC Johnson has revisited its original research,
sponsoring a series of unique survey questions on the syndicated Green Gauge
survey to illuminate American attitudes and behaviors with respect to the
environment. These questions tap both current environmental issues, and also
reprise seminal questions from the original 1990 research. This report provides a
summary of the key findings from these questions and insights for working with
Americans to move green consumerism into the decades ahead. These findings
can be leveraged by business, government and non-profits to help understand how
Americans’ perceptions of environmental issues affect their behavior at the cash
register, at the ballot box, and in their communities.
3
© Copyright GfK, 2011.About the Research
This research was commissioned by SC Johnson and executed within the GfK
Roper Consulting Green Gauge® US survey. The survey was fielded online among
2,000 adults age 18+ in the contiguous United States between June 9 and July 5,
2011.
The GfK Roper Consulting Green Gauge studies have been tracking consumer
environmental attitudes and behaviors in the United States since 1992, inspired in
large part by the original SC Johnson research conducted in 1990. Green Gauge
explores issues related to consumers’ interaction with the environment. This
includes environmental concerns, specific environmental behaviors, sources of
information on the environment, and views of specific industries.
A note on methodology: The survey methodology has changed since the original
1990 study. GfK Roper has moved from face-to-face interviewing among 1,400
respondents to online interviewing among 2,000 respondents. As a result of these
methodological changes, results from the two surveys are not strictly trendable
and comparisons over time should be made with some caution. Nonetheless, our
analysis does include comparisons where we believe the response data are
substantively comparable and illustrative of meaningful change in opinion,
regardless of the change in survey methodology.
4
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Executive Summary
Four important themes for business, governments and
non-profits emerge from the 2011 analysis:
1. Increased Knowledge, Decreased Confusion and a Tempering of
Individual Expectations – According to the survey results, knowledge about
environmental issues and problems is on the rise and Americans are less likely
to be confused over what is good and bad for the environment. About seven in
10 now say they know a lot or a fair amount about environmental issues and
problems, up from about five in 10 during the mid-1990’s. Generally, the
conventional wisdom has been that increased knowledge about the
environment would lead to more action and empowerment on the part of
Americans. However increased knowledge may have actually led to a
tempering of expectations for some individuals. Compared to the 1990 survey,
Americans are downplaying the role of the individual in protecting the
environment. Americans are now more likely to say they can ―do a little‖
across a number of environmental problems like air and water pollution and
fewer say Americans can do ―a lot‖ or ―nothing.‖ So, fewer
Americans are saying they can take big steps to protect the
environment, but more are saying they can at least take small
steps.
5
© Copyright GfK, 2011.2. Environmental and Economic Uncertainty Hangs over Americans – Many
Americans are uncertain what the future holds for the environment and the
economy. Nearly half (48%) are uncertain or don’t know what the future holds
when it comes to addressing environmental problems. One-third (33%) are
optimistic, with 18% pessimistic. And an increasing number of Americans
think we should put economic security before environmental
protection. Forty-one percent agree that economic security is a
primary concern, followed by environmental problems – up 13
percentage points from pre-recession 2007.
3. Influencing Positive Behavior Change is Possible - One challenge over the
past 20 years for businesses, governments, and non-profits has been
influencing Americans to make lifestyle changes that have a positive
environmental impact. However, behavior change is possible. Compared with
20 years ago, twice as many Americans recycle (58% in 2011 say they do so
on a regular basis), buy green products (29%), and commute in an
environmentally friendly manner (18%). Individuals themselves
cite financial incentives and disincentives as the most effective
way of influencing behavior. Pressure from family and friends
plays an important but lesser role.
6
© Copyright GfK, 2011.4. Americans Say Going Green Is (Still) Good Business - In spite of rising
economic concerns, Americans still want companies to ―go green,‖ and there
is evidence that they give credit to companies that do so. About
three in four (74%) agree ―a manufacturer that reduces the
environmental impact of its production process and products is
making a smart business decision.‖
7
© Copyright GfK, 2011.The Environment:
Public Attitudes and
Individual Behavior —
A Twenty-Year Evolution
8
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Americans have Increased Knowledge, Decreased
Confusion and a Tempering of Individual Expectations
Typically, lack of environmental knowledge is one of the most cited barriers to
personal engagement with protecting the environment. Also, the perception has
been that consumers are confused by the large amounts of environmental
information that is available. There is evidence that both of these ideas are true.
However, when looking over the course of the past 20 years, Americans are in a
much better place in terms of levels of environmental knowledge. Seventy-three
percent of Americans say they know a lot or fair amount about environmental
issues and problems – up 20 percentage points since 1995. In addition, fewer
people now agree with the statement, ―I am very confused about what's good and
what's bad for the environment‖ (18% in 2011, down 21 percentage points since
1990).
% Who Say They Know A Lot/Fair Amount About
Environmental Issues and Problems (Total US Population 18+)
72 73
65
53 51
48 49 49 48
42
1995 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2007 2008 2010
9
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Interestingly, as Americans have increased their environmental knowledge base,
they may have become less exuberant about their potential to impact the
environment. For all six environmental problems named in both 1990 and 2011
(including water and air pollution), the movement has been toward the
center: The percentages saying that individuals can do a little have gone up, while
fewer now say that individuals can either do a lot or nothing about these problems.
Are Environmental Problems Something You Can Do
A Lot About, A Little About, Or Nothing About?
(Average Across Six Environmental Problems*, Total US Population 18+)
1990 2011
46
37 38
28
21 18
A Lot A Little Nothing
*See Appendix For Full List Of Environmental Problems
Increased environmental knowledge may have contributed to a reduced sense that
individual action holds the solution to environmental problems; that’s the bad
news. The good news is that the survey data suggests that government, business,
and non-profits have a green light to continue to encourage and empower
Americans to take small steps towards protecting the environment. Consumers
increasingly feel they can at least take small steps to improve the environment as
evidenced by the increase in those who say individuals can ―do a little.‖ Such
calls to personal action are likely to be especially effective if consumers see that
other key players – namely, government and business – are also doing their part to
protect the environment.
10
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Environmental and Economic Uncertainty Hang
Over Americans
Related to tempered individual expectations, Americans are also indicating they
are uncertain about the future of environmental problems. In addition, economic
woes are clouding the environmental landscape.
Optimists may out-number pessimists, but a plurality says that the future of the
environment is in doubt: Nearly half (48%) are uncertain or don’t know what the
future holds when it comes to addressing environmental problems. One-third
(33%) are optimistic, with 18% pessimistic.
Men tend to be more optimistic than women about the future of addressing
environmental problems (37% to 30%) and people with household incomes of
$100,000 or more are one of the few groups where a plurality is optimistic (42%
vs. 20% pessimistic and 35% uncertain). Those in households with incomes under
$30,000 are generally more uncertain (49%) than optimistic (26%).
“When It Comes To Addressing Environmental Problems,
Generally Speaking I Am...”
(Total US Population 18+)
43
33
18
5
Optimistic About The Pessimistic About The Uncertain About The Don't Know
Future Future Future
11
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Compounding issues for Americans’ view of the environment is the current
economic malaise. Nearly half, 48%, say that ―concern for the environment is
somewhat serious, but there are other more important issues we need to address.‖
And 41% agree that first comes economic security, and then we can worry about
environmental problems – up 13 points from pre-recession 2007.
Concern About The Environment Is…
(Total US Population 18+)
Very Serious And Should Be A Priority For Everyone
Somewhat Serious, But There Are Other More Important Issues We Need
To Address
48
46 46
45
44
41 41
39
34
33
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
A majority of Americans are also comfortable with a trade-off between
environmental protection and economic development, with 52% agreeing ―Some
pollution is inevitable if we are going to continue to make improvements in our
standard of living.‖
12
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Thus, Americans are concerned about protecting their personal finances and
corporate bottom lines as well as the planet. There may be a limit to how much
Americans are willing to sacrifice economically for the sake of the environment,
but they are not saying that protecting the environment has no value to them.
They want to understand the trade-offs so that they can strike the right balance and
make informed decisions.
13
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Influencing Behavior Change Is Possible
One challenge over the past 20 years for companies and governments has been
influencing Americans to make positive environmental changes. Certainly most
Americans are willing to make these changes, but putting these thoughts into
action has been elusive for many. Furthermore, the current economic uncertainty
and the notion that Americans can only ―do so much‖ brings increased challenges
to the table. But influencing behavior is possible.
Interestingly, Americans say financial incentives and disincentives have a greater
influence on their green behavior than pressure from family, friends and
government. ―Peer pressure‖ does not appear to be the dominant force driving
personal environmental actions. An overwhelming majority say they feel good
when they take steps to help the environment (75%), yet only one in three would
be embarrassed if caught not recycling (33%).
For the population as a whole, Americans say that both financial incentives (49%
say this is a major influence) and penalties (49%) have a greater influence on their
green behavior than pressure from family, friends and government – with
celebrities having the least reported impact on green behavior.
14
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Three Tiers Of Influence
% Who Say The Following Is A Major Influence On his/her Behavior To Help
The Environment (Total US Population 18+)
Tier 1:
Monetary
Influence Financial Incentive/ Reward 49%
Financial Penalty 49%
26% See People I Know Taking Action
Tier 2: 25% People I Know Encourage Me To Take Action
Personal I Hear Someone Talking About The Dangers Of Not
Influence 21%
Taking Action
19% I Hear Someone Promoting The Benefits Of Taking
Action
14% I See News Media Coverage Encouraging Me To Take Action
Tier 3:
Organi- 13% Government Officials Encourage Me To Take Action
zational 12% A Non-Profit Organization Encourages Me To Take Action
Influence
12% I See Ads Or Public Notices Encouraging Me To Take Action
7% A Celebrity I Respect Encourages Me To Take Action
Digging a little deeper into the data reveals that Generation Y – younger
Americans approximately aged 18-31 – is more likely to be influenced by the
people around them; Thirty-Five percent of Generation Y says that seeing friends
taking action is a major influence (+9 percentage points from the total public).
Generation Y is also an important group to target for environmental action
because it is generally more engaged with environmental issues. According to the
syndicated Green Gauge results, Generation Y is more likely to follow the
15
© Copyright GfK, 2011.environmental records of large companies (45% of Gen Y follow the practices of
companies, +5 percentage points from the total population) and less likely to put
the economy in front of environmental issues (36% of Gen Y says first comes
economic security and well-being, then we can worry about environmental
problems, - 5 points from the total population).
Over the past 20 years, there have been significant changes in specific behaviors.
When compared to 1990, Americans are now much more likely to sort trash to
separate garbage from recyclable material – 58% say they now do so on a regular
basis. They are also more likely to buy products made from or packaged in
recycled materials – 29% now say they do so on a regular basis. Lastly 18% of
Americans cut back on their automobile usage on a regular basis.
Behaviors Shift Dramatically Over Two Decades
Based on 2011 Data*
(% Who Do The Following On A Regular Basis, Total US
58% Population 18+)
29%
18%
Sort Trash To Separate Buy Products Made From Cut Down On Use Of
Garbage From Recyclable Or Packaged In Cars By Using Public
Material Recyclable Material Transportation,
Carpooling, Etc.
*The Percentage Of Respondents In 2011 Are At Least Double As
Compared To Earlier Observations.
16
© Copyright GfK, 2011.These positive behavior changes were made possible by government and
marketplace changes. Recycling rates have increased due to the development of
curbside recycling programs as well as financial incentives (e.g., deposits for
bottles and cans). The purchasing of green products has also increased due to
rising awareness and increased marketplace offerings. In terms of green product
offerings, fewer Americans say a major reason for environmental problems is,
―Companies do not develop and make available environmentally sound products‖
(45% in 2011 down 14 percentage points since 1990). Thus, mass market behavior
changes are possible.
17
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Americans Say Going Green Is (Still) Good Business
In spite of rising economic concerns, Americans still want companies to ―go
green,‖ and there is increasing evidence that they give credit to companies that
do so.
According to the results from the syndicated Green Gauge survey, Americans
want companies to take a leadership role in protecting the environment. When
asked to rank seven groups on who should take the lead in addressing
environmental problems and issues, Americans rank the ―Federal Government‖
first followed by ―Individual Americans,‖ and then ―Business and Industry.‖ In
fact, ―Business and Industry‖ beats out state governments, environmental groups,
scientist/inventors, and local governments.
Who Should Take the Lead In Addressing
Environmental Problems?
(Ranked One Or Two, Total US Population 18+)
45
38
29
26 25 24
13
18
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Not only do Americans want businesses to assume responsibility for protecting the
environment but they also see going green as good business. About three in four
(74%) agree ―a manufacturer that reduces the environmental impact of its
production process and products is making a smart business decision.‖
In addition, 37% say business and industry are fulfilling their responsibility to the
environment very or moderately well. While this is a minority of Americans, it
does represent an 8 percentage point increase from 2007.
Americans Viewing Companies In More Positive Light
How Well Do Business And Industry Fulfill The Responsibility Of
Protecting The Environment? (Total US Population 18+)
Very/Moderately Well Not To Well/Not At All Well
68 70
63
55
34 37
29 28
2007 2008 2010 2011
Americans are also shifting some responsibility away from companies and
towards individuals. In 1990, the top reason cited for environmental problems
were directed towards business; ―Factories and plants cause pollution when
manufacturing products we use.‖ And while factory/product pollution is still an
important issue for consumers, the focus has shifted inwards. In 2011, the top
reason cited for environmental problems is ―Consumers are more interested in the
convenience many products provide than in the effect they have on the
19
© Copyright GfK, 2011.environment.‖ So while there has been an overall increase in Americans who
report they are buying green themselves, Americans believe that consumers as a
group are not willing to sacrifice for environmental protection. Americans have
become savvier about both environment problems and solutions; they do not
scapegoat business while letting consumers off the hook. Again, this suggests an
opening for messages emphasizing shared responsibility between business and
consumers.
Major Reasons for Environmental Problems
(Total US Population 18+)
1990 Rank 2011 Rank
Consumers More Interested In Product Convenience 1
3
Than Environmental Impact
Factories And Plants Cause Pollution When 1 2
Manufacturing Products
Countries Don't Cooperate On Solving Problems 4 3
Products That Businesses Use Cause Environmental
2 4
Problems
Consumers Aren't Willing To Pay More For
7 5
Environmentally Friendly Products
Companies Do Not Make Available Environmentally
5 6
Sound Products
Some Technical Advancements Which Seem Like A
Good Idea At The Time, But Cause Long-Term 6 7
Problems Which Are Not Known For Years
In addition, when thinking about the environmentally friendly products that
businesses provide, product cost is a continued issue, while product availability is
20
© Copyright GfK, 2011.less of a concern. Similar numbers say that ―consumers aren’t willing to pay
more‖ (53% said this was a major problem in 1990 and 51% in 2011), while fewer
think that ―companies do not develop and make available environmentally sound
products‖ (59% said this was a major problem in 1990 vs 45% in 2011).
Of course it is also important to mention that despite some Americans’ continued
concerns about the cost of environmentally friendly products, they are still more
likely to purchase ―green.‖ As seen in the survey and previously discussed, more
consumers now say they buy products made from or packaged in recycled
materials. Why? Increased product availability and knowledge have helped to
increase green purchasing.
21
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Conclusions
Increased environmental knowledge has led fewer American consumers to
believe they can take large steps towards environmental protection, but
more now believe they can at least take some small steps to help protect
the environment. Forty-six percent say they can at least ―do a little‖ about
environmental problems, up 8 percentage points from 1990.
Americans still expect businesses to be environmentally friendly despite
the current economic malaise. Three in four agree ―a manufacturer that
reduces the environmental impact of its production process and products is
making a smart business decision.‖
Behavior change is possible, and Americans will continue to ―green up‖
their lifestyles where it makes practical and financial sense. Compared
with 1990, twice as many Americans are sorting their garbage (58% do so
on a regular basis), buying products made from or packaged in recycled
materials (29%), and cutting down on their automobile usage by taking
mass transit (18%).
22
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Appendix
23
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Methodology
A sample of 2,012 adults 18 years of age or older in the United States was
interviewed for this study using the GfK Online Consumer Panel. Interviews were
completed June 9 - July 5, 2011.
Sampling Method
The sample design employs a disproportionate pre-stratified sample, where the
strata are levels of several known demographic variables that are found in the
database record of each survey community member who is sampled for the
project. The starting point for the stratification is the distribution of these variables
among the online population of the United States who are 18 years of age or older.
Besides accounting for demographics in the sample draw, sample invitations are
sent out according to a pre-determined distribution that accounts for rates at which
each stratum tends to accept the survey invitation, thereby at least starting the
survey. The following are the strata and levels used for drawing sample:
Gender: Male/Female
18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65+
Age:
(Age is stratified within gender for pre-stratification purposes)
Northeast, Midwest, South, West conforming to four
Region:
US Census regions
Less than 4 years of college, 4-year college graduate
Education:
or higher
Race: White, Hispanic, Black, Asian, Other
Household
Less than $25,000 annually, $25,000-$74,999, $75,000 or more
Income:
24
© Copyright GfK, 2011.Survey Results
3. When it comes to addressing environmental problems, generally speaking
I am….
2011 Base: 2012 Total Respondents
2011
%
Optimistic about the future 33
Pessimistic about the future 18
Uncertain about the future 43
Don’t know 5
25
© Copyright GfK, 2011.17. Now, how much do you agree or disagree with each of these statements regarding your
lifestyle and attitudes toward the environment? (Please select one response per row)
2011 Base: 2012 Total Respondents
Neither
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Total
agree nor
completely mostly mostly completely Agree
disagree
% % % % %
%
I am very confused about
11 what’s good and what’s bad 19 31 32 14 4 18
for the environment
New technologies will surely
come along to solve
12 8 18 45 23 7 30
environmental problems
before they get out of hand
Some pollution is inevitable if
we are going to continue to
13 4 11 33 40 12 52
make improvements in our
standard of living
If business is forced to spend
a lot of money on
environmental protection, it
14 won’t be able to invest in 11 23 37 21 8 29
research and development to
keep us competitive in the
international market
I just don’t have the time to
worry about how all of my
15 21 31 30 13 5 18
actions affect the
environment
I feel good when I take steps
16 1 3 21 40 35 75
to help the environment
I would be embarrassed if
17 people I know caught me not 22 18 28 20 13 33
recycling my trash
A manufacturer that reduces
the environmental impact of
18 its production process and 1 2 22 43 32 74
products is making a smart
business decision
Local governments should
19 provide more incentives for 3 4 20 38 35 73
people to recycle
We should wait until the
economy gets better before
20 18 23 29 19 11 30
we make the environment a
major policy priority
26
© Copyright GfK, 2011.23. Here are some more things that people can do for the environment. For each one
please indicate if you or someone in this household makes a real effort to do it on a
regular basis, or does it from time to time when it’s convenient, or doesn’t really
bother about it?
2011 Base: 2012 Total Respondents
2011
Do on a Do from
Regular time to Don’t really Don’t
RANDOMIZE basis time bother about Know
SELECT ONE PER ROW % % % %
Sort trash to separate garbage from
1 58 18 21 3
recyclable material
Buy products made from or
2 29 49 18 4
packaged in recycled materials
Cut down on use of automobile by
3 using public transportation, 18 29 49 5
carpooling, etc.
Buy things that are made of durable
4 50 36 11 3
materials so they will last a long time
Avoid disposable or single-use items
5 39 40 17 4
when multi-use items are available
27
© Copyright GfK, 2011.40. Some of the things discussed so far are things individual citizens can help do
something about. Others they can’t. For each of the following items do you think it
is something individuals can do a lot about, a little about, or is it something
individuals can’t do anything about?
2011 Base: 2012 Total Respondents
2011
A Lot A little Nothing Don’t
RANDOMIZE about about About Know
SELECT ONE PER ROW % % % %
Water pollution from disposal of waste
1 15 45 30 9
products by manufacturing plants
2 Air pollution from auto exhausts 32 49 12 7
Environmental contamination from chemical
3 17 47 26 10
waste disposal
Solid waste from the disposal of garbage and
4 38 44 11 7
trash
5 Indoor air pollution 43 40 9 8
6 The ―greenhouse effect‖ 20 51 17 13
28
© Copyright GfK, 2011.41. Most people agree that our country is faced with environmental problems, but
there is little agreement about the reasons for these problems. For each of the
following reasons, do you think it is a major, minor or not a reason for our
environmental problems?
2011 Base: 2012 Total Respondents
2011
Not a Minor Major Don’t
RANDOMIZE Reason Reason Reason Know
SELECT ONE PER ROW % % % %
Factories and plants cause pollution when
1 4 25 61 10
manufacturing products we use
Products that businesses use cause
2 environmental problems – pollution, disposal 4 28 56 12
problems, etc.
There are many technical advancements which
seem like a good idea at the time, but cause
3 7 35 41 17
long-term problems which are not known for 10
or 20 years
Consumers are more interested in the
4 convenience many products provide than in the 4 24 63 10
effect they have on the environment
Countries don’t cooperate on solving problems
5 that require international cooperation (e.g. acid 5 22 59 14
rain)
Consumers aren’t willing to pay more for
6 7 32 51 11
products that are environmentally sound
Companies do not develop and make available
7 9 33 45 13
environmentally sound products
29
© Copyright GfK, 2011.61. Here is a list of things that could influence people to change their behavior to help
the environment. For each one would you say it has a major influence, a minor
influence, or no influence at all on your behavior to help the environment?
2011 Base: 2012 Total Respondents
2011
No
A major A minor influence Don’t
RANDOMIZE influence influence at all Know
SELECT ONE PER ROW % % % %
1 I see my friends and people I know taking
action 26 42 26 6
2 My friends and people I know encourage me
to take action 25 44 24 7
3 Government officials encourage me to take
action 13 37 43 7
4 A non-profit organization encourages me to
take action 12 39 41 7
5 A celebrity I respect encourages me to take
action 7 24 62 7
6 I see news media coverage encouraging me to
take action 14 44 36 6
7 I see advertisements or public notices
encouraging me to take action 12 45 36 7
8 I hear someone promoting the benefits of
taking action 19 45 29 7
9 I hear someone talking about the dangers of
not taking action 21 42 29 7
10 I am rewarded with a financial incentive for
taking action 49 30 15 7
11 I am penalized with a financial penalty for not
taking action 49 25 17 9
30
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